ABILENE, Kan. – Roberta Jean (Morris) Corl, 88, of Abilene, Kan. traveled peacefully into heaven to sit at the feet of God and worship through eternity on Jan. 1, 2024. Roberta spent the last two weeks of her life surrounded by the love of her family enjoying the holidays. Her journey on this earth ended with her hands in ours and her heart and soul set on Jesus.

The family has chosen cremation. A memorial service was held on Jan. 6, 2024, at Lifehouse Church, 420 NW Second St., Abilene, Kan. The family received friends for visitation prior to the service at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Her remains will be interned at St. Patrick Cemetery, 1336 Maytown Road, Maytown, with a private family service in the spring.

She was born on July 11, 1935, in Princeton, to Arvenus and Mabel (Heuer) Morris. On Aug. 26, 1953, she married Frank Alfred Corl. Frank preceded her in death on Sept. 5, 1976.

She is survived by her sisters, Ruth Faber, Linda Bracewell, Charlotte Boyd, and Flora Goble. She was also survived by her children, Theresa Allen, Diana Canty (Ray Spangler), Angie Yocum (Gene), Mike Corl (Karen), and Mary Potter (Brent). Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren are each listed by name.

Grandchildren, Stephanie Butler, Pam Payne (Kevin), Heather Allen, Christopher Allen (Ashley), Dawn Potter (Eric), Brandy Silver (Jason), Amber Okubo (Reuben), Amanda Garrett (Joseph), Susan Yocum, Rose Yocum (Jonathan), Andrew Corl (David), Aaron Corl (Jesse), Anna Brantley (JT), Abigail Corl.

Great-grandchildren, Holley Gunther (Josiah), Teia Potter (Ramey), Jacob Potter, Brady Butler (Cyndel), Devon Ehnen (Cami), Alaina Payne, Brandon Payne (Crystal), Julian Dingley, Payton Dingley, Blake Dingley, Parker Dingley, Oden Allen, Cathan Allen, Kira Potter, Sophie Okubo, Nathan Okubo, William Garrett, Kalan Garrett, Joshua Garrett, JL Brantley, Allyssa Brantley, Keegan Lee, Tyson Ahumada.

Her favorite boast was of her great-great-grandchildren, Hunter Landers, Oaklyn Landers, Kyler Harwood, Hera Gunther, Atlas Gunther, Landon Ehnen, Zoe Payne, Emmett Butler, and Bella Butler.

Roberta was preceded in death by her sister, Blanche Stucker.

Roberta and Frank farmed for a time and then moved to Amboy and raised their four children. Roberta adopted one more child in 1977 and raised her as a single mother with the remaining children still in the home. In 1980, Roberta determined that it was God’s will for her to move to Abilene, Kan., where she completed the sacred duty of raising her children.

Roberta worked as a CNA in the 1980s. She then transitioned to home healthcare through the 1990s and early 2000s. It was her passion to allow people to be home where they were comfortable and surrounded by their loved ones through the end of their time on earth.

Roberta thoroughly enjoyed volunteering and felt a true sense of accomplishment in the areas she volunteered. Over the years she would volunteer in many different capacities at each of the churches she chose to be a part of including United Brethren, St. Andrews, First United Methodist Church, and Lifehouse Church. She joined Bible studies, prayer groups, taught Sunday school and catechism, cooked meals, visited the sick, and whatever else she noticed needed done.

Her passion and love for the theater was shown by volunteering with the Abilene Community Theater and the Great Plains Theatre. She loved to work through creating and altering costumes, seating guests, running through lines, and all things musicals.

Roberta enjoyed 10 years of helping with Girl Scouts as the spare grandma, volunteer, and troop leader. She helped to shape a number of young women into leaders in their community.

Her love of the history of Abilene was evidenced in her passion for the role of Ms. Bertie at Old Abilene Town. She enjoyed serving each visitor a sarsaparilla or a root beer float and telling them the stories.

Roberta leaves a legacy of sewing that she shared with loved ones and strangers. Teddy bears for emergency rooms, full-size quilts for her children and grandchildren, and over 50 hand-stitched baby quilts were made by her hands. All were gifted to others with love. This she did on top of clothes for herself and her family, curtains and household items, and of course doll cloths. Even with failing eyesight she never gave up quilting for others.

The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Abilene Aviation Association for their scholarship fund, Great Plains Theater (greatplainstheatre.com), or Lifehouse Church (lifehouse-church.com). Memorials can be dropped off or mailed to the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral home, 414 NW Third St. Abilene, Kan., 67410. Online condolences can be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com.